COVID-19 Information

Jefferson County, Colo. — During a public special Jefferson County Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

While the Jefferson County PHO is set to expire on Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m., any state or federal mask requirements will remain in place in the county – such as the federal requirement for all individuals to wear a mask when using public transportation and CDPHE’s Public Health Order 20-38, which requires unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in specific settings, including medical facilities (including long term care facilities), homeless shelters, prisons and jails. Additionally, individuals will still need to follow current CDPHE isolation and quarantine guidance, which includes wearing a mask for 5 days after the initial 5-day isolation period, when in indoor, public settings, including school settings. Any businesses or facilities that wish to require masks may continue to do so.

JCPH continues to be committed to guaranteeing our community has widespread access to important COVID-19 prevention and treatment strategies, including numerous locations across the county that offer testing and vaccination.

Layering prevention strategies is the best way to get the most protection for yourself, your loved ones and your community:

• Get vaccinated. If you have not yet received your vaccine or your booster (if eligible), please do so as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are free and no ID or insurance is required. For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccine locations across the county, including what ages they serve, visit www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup.
• Mask up. Although masks will no longer be mandated upon the expiration of the PHO, JCPH still strongly recommends the use of masks in any indoor, public settings. Further, use of N95 or KN95 masks is strongly encouraged, as they have higher levels of protection, but wearing a well-fitting surgical mask is also effective. The state of Colorado is providing free KN95 and surgical masks for members of the public at certain locations throughout the state. Learn more about where to find free masks.
• Get tested. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible, even if you are vaccinated. For a list of COVID-19 testing locations in and around Jeffco, visit www.jeffco.us/testing.
• Keep your distance. Maintain at least 6-ft. distancing from those not in your household, especially if you aren’t sure about their vaccination status or if you yourself are unvaccinated.
• Take everyday prevention steps. The things you do every day — like regular handwashing, keeping high-touch surfaces clean and disinfected, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you’re sick — will help stop the spread of germs and keep you and your loved ones healthy.

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

Jefferson County, Colo. – The Jefferson County Board of Health issued Public Health Order 21-006, which requires all individuals ages 3 and older to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in indoor public spaces in Jefferson County, regardless of vaccination status. The Order is effective November 24, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and shall remain in effect at all times Jefferson County is in Substantial or High Transmission. This decision was made following discussion during a public meeting on November 22 and with extensive input from the community over the last week.

“As cases and hospitalizations have continued to increase sharply at very concerning rates in Jefferson County and across the state, masking indoors is a safe and effective way to reduce the immense stress on our local healthcare system and prevent unnecessary illness, hospitalization and death in our community,” said Lane Drager, Jefferson County Board of Health. “We need community members to pull together and mask up — especially now during the winter months and holiday season when we know residents travel more often, gather with one another and spend more time indoors. Our responsibility as the Board of Health is to protect the health of Jeffco residents, and we are committed to continuing to help lead our community out of this pandemic.”

In Jefferson County, from November 15-21, there have been 2,094 new COVID-19 cases (357.0 per 100,000 residents). From November 2-15, there have been an average of 2.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents, and 102 residents are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19. There have been 17 fatalities among Jefferson County residents due to COVID-19 in the last week (November 8-14), and on average, more than 1 death per day among Jefferson County residents since July 9, when cases started increasing. More than 96.2% of ICU hospital beds are in use in the Denver Metro Area.

The CDC recommends masking in indoor public settings in areas where COVID-19 community transmission is substantial or high. Jefferson County remains in CDC’s high transmission category.

“Along with getting a COVID-19 vaccine and getting a booster if you’re eligible, wearing a mask is one of the best things we can do to help get the pandemic under control and to keep each other safe during this continued surge,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, Jefferson County Public Health. “I thank the Board of Health for taking this important action, and I sincerely thank our residents who are already looking out for one another by getting vaccinated and masking up.”

The Order also allows an exception to indoor public masking for employers, owners and operators of businesses or other facilities who voluntarily implement proof of vaccination requirements for all employees, staff, visitors and patrons entering their facility and become an Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility. During a grace period of approximately three weeks (November 24-December 9), JCPH will accept self-certification from a facility and temporarily approve the facility as an Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility. Facilities who wish to self-certify should email HealthEPRReports@jeffco.us with their vaccination policy for employees and patrons. Beginning December 10, facilities must submit an application according to JCPH’s Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility Guidance, which will be released soon. JCPH will release more information on how to become an Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility, including opening a formal application process, in the coming weeks.

Masks are already required in a number of settings, including specific settings per the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Public Health Order 20-38 and on public transportation in the U.S. per federal law. Since Public Health Order 21-006 requires masks in all indoor public spaces, the Board of Health will rescind Jefferson County’s Public Health Order 21-004.

Click here to read the full Public Health Order 21-006. Or learn more about the Order including FAQs.. For more information about masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit www.jeffco.us/4056/Mask-Guidance or covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance.

About the Jefferson County Board of Health

The Jefferson County Board of Health members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to make policies and decisions that will help promote health and prevent disease in the county. The board encourages public input into its decision-making process and welcomes community participation at its regular hearings. For more information, visit the Board of Health webpage.

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

Jefferson County, Colo. — Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) today released Public Health Order 21-002, which requires everyone ages 2 and older to wear a mask when indoors at all schools and school-based extracurricular activities as well as all childcare settings in Jefferson County. Additionally, the Order requires all unvaccinated faculty and staff, as well as all unvaccinated students and adults who are participating in school-based extracurricular activities, to undergo routine testing during the academic year. The purpose of the Order is to protect health and preserve in-person learning in the county. The Order is effective tomorrow, August 17, 2021 and will remain in effect until rescinded, superseded or amended.

“Over the past few weeks, we have seen schools that do not require masking in other parts of the country be required to send large numbers of students home to quarantine and even close schools. While our department released very strong guidance to Jeffco schools and childcare settings recommending they require mask-wearing, unfortunately too few schools and childcares have adopted this safe and effective mitigation strategy,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “Due to the highly transmissible Delta variant now driving a surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in our county, coupled with insufficient vaccination coverage in schoolchildren, we must act now to prevent unnecessary illness and help protect in-person learning and educational experiences as much as possible. Despite heroic efforts by Jeffco teachers and schools to offer remote learning, last year far too many students struggled with academic achievement, social development and mental wellness. The goal shared by Jeffco parents, school leaders and public health leaders is to protect in-person learning.”

In Jefferson County from August 2-8, 2021, there were 535 new cases (91.8 per 100,000 residents) of COVID-19, compared to only 110 new cases (18.9 per 100,000 residents) from July 2-8, 2021. Cases have increased rapidly over the past month for both children and adults. Most new cases are among people who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated, and at this time, 41.2% of those ages 12-15 and 37.4% of those ages 16-19 have not received even one dose of vaccine. Children under 12 are also vulnerable as they are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Based on sample testing, it’s estimated that the Delta variant is responsible for nearly 100% of COVID-19 cases in Colorado. The Delta variant, which is twice as infectious as prior strains, appears to have a greater impact on children ages 19 and under as compared to past strains of the virus.

“We learned a great deal firsthand during the 2020-21 school year in Jeffco, and a wealth of scientific studies have proven that universal mask policies are safe and very effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in schools,” Comstock said. “Requiring masking indoors for everyone, combined with implementing a testing policy and promoting vaccination, will help reduce the virus in these high-density indoor settings, prevent outbreaks and minimize disruptive quarantines and isolations. Keeping kids in school is something we all want, and with some simple but important steps, we can preserve this next school year for our Jeffco youth.”

In addition to masking and testing requirements outlined in PHO 21-002, JCPH strongly recommends all schools and childcare settings follow JCPH’s Guidance for Schools and Childcares. JCPH’s Order and guidance aligns with CDC’s guidance which recommends universal masking for childcare and Pre-K-12 education for all individuals while indoors, regardless of vaccination status, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation for universal masking in school and childcare settings.

Summary of Requirements for Schools and Childcares in Jeffco

• Masks for all individuals ages 2+ indoors in all schools, childcares and school-based extracurricular activities
• Implement a COVID-19 testing policy by September 7, 2021, requiring all unvaccinated faculty and staff to be tested weekly throughout the school year
• Implement a COVID-19 testing policy by September 7, 2021, requiring all unvaccinated students and adults participating in school-based extracurricular activities to be tested weekly
• Post signage that masks are required at their facilities (signage provided in the Order)
• Enforcement of quarantine for individuals who are unvaccinated and unmasked when exposed to an individual case, and enforcement of quarantine for all unvaccinated individuals — masked and unmasked — who are exposed in outbreaks
• Enforcement of isolation for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19
• Cooperation in case investigations and contact tracing
• Social distancing of at least six feet when masks are removed as permitted in the Order (e.g., When students are eating and drinking at meal times indoors)

Summary of Recommendations for Schools and Childcares in Jeffco

• Promoting vaccinations to increase coverage among eligible students, faculty and staff
• Require vaccinations for faculty and staff, as well as all adults and eligible students participating in school-based sports and extracurricular activities
• Follow additional recommendations outlined in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Back to School Roadmap to layer as many additional precautionary measures as feasible to keep students, faculty and staff safe

For more information about PHO 21-002 and complete requirements for schools and childcares, view the full Order. You can also refer to Frequently Asked Questions.

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

Jefferson County, Colo. — On July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance recommending mask wearing for the general public, including those who are fully vaccinated, in areas where there is substantial COVID-19 transmission (defined by 50-99.99 new cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days). Based on current COVID-19 incidence rates in Jefferson County (77.2 per 100,000 people as of July 28, 2021), Jefferson County is in the substantial transmission category. For this reason, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) strongly recommends that all residents ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, return to wearing a mask in indoor public spaces to minimize risk and maximize protection from COVID-19, including the highly infectious Delta variant.

Data show that the Delta variant is far more contagious than past strains of COVID-19, and emerging evidence suggests it spreads more than twice as easily as previous strains. In addition, while COVID-19 vaccines are only slightly less effective against the Delta variant, because no vaccine is 100% effective, it is still possible to contract the Delta variant and spread it to others, even if you are vaccinated. Wearing a mask is an easy, safe, effective and evidence-based precaution for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“Because vaccine uptake has now stalled and cases of COVID-19 are once again increasing rapidly in Jeffco, and with the Delta variant circulating widely, we all must now take this additional step to protect ourselves and our loved ones, including our children who aren’t yet eligible to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “We know this is discouraging news, especially after months of progress. We don’t want to give up the ground our communities worked so hard to take during this battle against COVID-19. By taking recommended precautions now, we can work to minimize viral transmission to prevent the Delta variant from spreading even further.”

As we return to mask-wearing for all individuals, JCPH reminds our community of the following tips for safe, effective face coverings:

• Choose a mask that has two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric and a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top.
• Masks should completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps.
• Wash your hands before and after putting your face covering in place.
• Do not touch the face covering again until you remove it.
• Remove your mask to eat and drink and if it is still in good repair, you may continue to use it.

“We knew when we were able to ‘take our masks off’ earlier this summer that there was a possibility of having to put them back on. Unfortunately, we’re at that point as a community, and it’s very important for everyone to protect themselves and others from the Delta variant,” said Comstock. “The other incredibly important step all members of our community can take is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are the leading public health strategy to prevent the virus. The vaccines protect against most COVID-19 infections, and prevent nearly all cases of severe illness, hospitalizations and death. You can get a free COVID-19 vaccine close to home any day of the week — don’t wait until it’s too late to protect yourself.”

JCPH is here to help support our community to access and get information about COVID-19 vaccines. Our team is available to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you may have. Call JCPH’s COVID Vax Information Center (C-VIC) at 303-239-7000 and press option 1. Find out how you can get a free COVID-19 vaccine near you — any day of the week — at http://www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup.

County part of Denver Metro Area regional approach to keep residents safe while gradually reopening

Jefferson County, Colo. – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) today (April 13) issued a new public health order (PHO 21-001) to help guide the county through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and into a full reopening. The order was issued in anticipation of the State of Colorado dissolving Executive Order PHO 20-36 and the Dial 3.0 this week, with counties expected to implement their own tailored strategies to meet their community’s needs. JCPH’s PHO 21-001 is effective at the time the state’s order is rescinded, which is expected on April 16, and is in effect until August 15.

“We have been working very closely with other local public health leaders in the Denver Metro Area, which encompasses about 60% of the state’s population, as well as county leaders for the past several weeks to determine how to best move forward,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, executive director of JCPH. “We are confident this brief phased approach will allow our community to work to get our recent increase in COVID-19 transmission back under control, while we race to quickly vaccinate as many people as we can and prevent another surge driven by more-contagious variants. At the same time, our local businesses can better plan for the near future.”

Recently, Jefferson County has seen increases in its COVID-19 seven-day case incidence rate and test positivity rate. During April 5-11, there were 891 cases of COVID-19 (152.8 per 100,000) in Jefferson County, and the test positivity rate during the same time period was 5.0%. The Colorado School of Public Health Modeling Team advising the Governor has concluded that delaying policy changes in Colorado until mid-May will prevent large numbers of deaths and hospitalizations.

Under the new PHO 21-001, there are two phases to reopening:

• Phase 1 – Moving Toward a Full Reopening (April 16-May 15): Businesses and individuals can operate under Dial 3.0’s Level Blue capacity limits and simplified mitigation requirements for 30 days. There will be no movement during this 30-day period. Review the order for specific mitigation requirements and capacity limits for businesses and activities.
• Phase 2 – Observation Period (May 16-August 15): Jefferson County, along with other Metro Denver counties, will move to a new Level on the Dial — Level Clear — which has no restrictions. In Level Clear, businesses will operate at 100 percent capacity with no mitigation requirements, although indoor mask requirements may still apply. During the observation period, rather than focusing on incidence rates or test positivity rates, JCPH will closely monitor hospitalizations, a health metric indicative of severity of COVID-19 infections. It is expected that by late May vaccination coverage should be sufficient to control COVID-19 transmission in Jeffco. However, if needed, JCPH can apply capacity limits based on hospitalization rates as described in the order.

With PHO 21-001, the county’s Five-Star Certification Program for businesses is suspended. All businesses in Jefferson County, including those certified under the program, must operate under the simplified Level Blue capacity limits and mitigation requirements. If at any point Jeffco has to return to a higher Dial Level, Five-Star businesses would be permitted to operate at one level lower on the Dial.

“It’s too soon to completely abandon all COVID-19 transmission prevention measures. Jeffco residents who are not yet vaccinated are still at risk and should continue to Be COVID Smart. However, we can now chart a sound path forward combining these proven COVID-19 mitigation strategies, our own local Jeffco data and a deep knowledge of our community’s unique needs,” Dr. Comstock said. “We’re confident this collaborative approach across the Denver Metro Area, in tandem with a unified race to get more people vaccinated, will help us avoid a fourth surge during this critical time. If we can work together and be patient just a bit longer, we may now only be about one month away from the finish line.”

JCPH’s local mask order, PHO 20-008, remains in effect and all residents and visitors in Jefferson County must continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces when 6 ft. distancing cannot be maintained from non-household members. In areas where the statewide mask order is more restrictive, individuals must follow those requirements.

Review the full public health order as well as a table outlining capacity limits for various businesses and activities under the simplified Level Blue. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and more at www.jeffco.us/4047/Dial-Status. For information about JCPH’s local mask order, COVID-19 data, testing locations and vaccination information, visit www.jeffco.us/coronavirus.

Jefferson County, Colo. – On April 7, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) alerted Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) that the county will be moved to Level Yellow: Concern on the state’s Dial 3.0, effective Friday, April 9 at 6 a.m. At that time, Jefferson County community members and businesses must follow the more restrictive Level Yellow requirements and capacity limits per CDPHE’s Tenth Amended Public Health Order 20-36.

“Unfortunately we are slipping in the wrong direction, and we have seen an increase in the COVID-19 case incidence rate, test positivity rate and hospitalizations in Jeffco,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “This pushes us past our Level Blue limits and into Level Yellow. None of us want to go backwards on the Dial after all of the hard work we’ve put in and sacrifices we’ve made. I urge everyone to stay committed to COVID-19 prevention actions — wear your mask, keep 6 ft. distance and avoid gatherings.”

During March 31-April 6, there were 832 cases of COVID-19 (142.7 per 100,000) in Jefferson County. The seven-day COVID-19 case incidence rate limit, including a buffer allowance, for Level Blue is 115 cases per 100,000 people (for five consecutive days). The majority of new cases are among adults ages 20-39, which is expected given this population just recently became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding active outbreaks, the majority are within schools and non-regulated businesses (e.g., offices and retail). Other factors contributing to the increase in community spread include significantly decreased social distancing as well as circulation of virus variants.

The following changes are now effective in Jeffco under Dial 3.0’s Level Yellow. The countywide mask order remains in effect and all residents and visitors are required to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces when 6 feet distancing cannot be maintained from non-household members. (Where the state’s Executive Order D 2021 079 is more restrictive for mask-wearing, residents should follow those requirements).

• Restaurants are limited to 50% of the posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 150 people per room. Last call is at 1 a.m.
• Bars must close unless they serve food.
• Indoor events are limited to 50% of the posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 150 people per room within usable space. Usable space for seated events and unseated events with fewer than 50 people is calculated by using 6-feet distancing between non-household contacts. For unseated events with more than 50 people, usable space should be calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator.
• Outdoor events are limited to 50% of the posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 175 people within the usable space per designated area calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator. If the event is seated, usable space should be calculated by using 6-foot distancing between non-household members.
• Recreation, including gyms, rec centers and pools, is limited to 50% capacity, not to exceed 50 people per room indoors or activity area outdoors. Establishments larger than 7,200 square feet may use the Distancing Space Calculator to expand to 100 patrons per room within their usable space.
• Organized sports are limited to 25 players, excluding coaches, referees and umpires.
• Outdoor guided activities are limited to 50% capacity, not to exceed 10 people.
• Youth camps are limited to 10 participants indoors and 25 participants outdoors.
• Businesses certified under the Five-Star Certification Program in Jefferson County may operate under Level Blue limits.

“There are some important occasions coming up in the next several months — graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the much anticipated start of summer. It’s important that we take the necessary steps now to reverse this trend, so we have the opportunity to celebrate the things and people we love and enjoy. We missed many of these special occasions last year, but if we work hard now it doesn’t have to be the case for 2021,” Dr. Comstock said.

For more information about Dial 3.0 and requirements for various activities, visit www.jeffco.us/4047/Dial-Status or covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial. You can also find information about JCPH’s local mask order, COVID-19 data, testing locations, vaccination information and more at www.jeffco.us/coronavirus.

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis announced that he will be extending the statewide mask order tomorrow with modifications that account for where Colorado is in the pandemic.

“Here in Colorado we are making incredible progress with getting vaccines into arms and protecting our most vulnerable, but until everyone can get the vaccine and our COVID cases are reduced, taking precautions to prevent a surge in cases and further spread of the disease is the smart thing to do and the right thing to do and helps keep everything open,” said Governor Jared Polis. “By continuing to wear our masks in public indoor settings around others, we can safely enjoy the activities we love and keep our economy open. Every community has been impacted differently by this pandemic, and we want to ensure this order is reflective of that. We’re almost there, Colorado, but we need to keep this up just a little bit longer.”

“I look forward to the day when immunity reaches a level that we no longer have to wear masks. Right now across our state, 1 in 207 people are currently contagious with COVID-19, and only an estimated 27% of Coloradans are already immune through either vaccination or prior infection. In the meantime, we must continue practicing vigilance by wearing masks especially if you aren’t yet fully vaccinated, practicing social distancing when in public and in the company of people with unknown vaccine status. This modified mask order is a step towards the light at the end of the tunnel, and it acknowledges a transition away from most requirements for those counties in level green with very low transmission, 35 cases or less out of every 100,000, and the great achievement they have made towards ending the pandemic,” he continued.

The updated Executive Order will continue to require mask-wearing in all counties in schools (including extracurricular activities), child care centers, indoor children’s camps, public-facing state government facilities, congregate care facilities, prisons, jails, emergency medical and other healthcare settings, and personal services and limited healthcare settings as defined by PHO 20-36. “We fought hard to get Colorado kids back in school successfully, and we’re not going to jeopardize Colorado’s return of in-person learning by changing the mask policy this school year,” Governor Polis added.

In counties with one week disease incidence rates in excess of 35 per 100,000, which are known in Dial 3.0 as blue, yellow, orange, red, and purple counties, masks must also be worn in all public indoor settings when 10 or more unvaccinated individuals or individuals of unknown vaccination status are present.

The number of counties that are currently in Level Green is 31, representing a population of 238,286 Coloradans. The number of counties in Levels Blue, Yellow, Orange, or Red is 33 representing a population of 5,525,690.

The Executive Order keeps exemptions that were in the prior Executive Orders.

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis announced that starting Friday, April 2nd, all Coloradans over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and all Coloradans over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Governor shared that the State anticipates that everyone who wants it will have access to the vaccine before the end of May. He was joined by Brigadier General Scott Sherman to discuss the next phase of vaccine distribution.

“Each vaccine is a step towards getting back to normal. Today is a monumental step forward in Colorado’s efforts to get vaccines to every person who wants one, and I want to thank our frontline heroes -- both professional and volunteer -- who have stepped up, racing to get shots into arms,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This is one of the greatest feats in human history, and we couldn’t have gotten to where we are now without their tireless efforts. Soon everyone in our state will be able to get the protection they need, but it’s going to take some time. It could be next week, it could be in five weeks. So while availability opens to everyone this Friday, April 2nd, be patient and know that your time will come.”

Currently, 70% of all Coloradans 60 and older have been vaccinated, including 79% of all Coloradans 70 and older, 71% of Coloradans 65-69, and 53% of Colordans 60-64. More than 1.5 million (1,579,599) Coloradans have received their first dose of tha vaccine, and almost 1 million (999,618) have been fully immunized.

In order to meet its ambitious vaccination goals and get shots into arms as quickly as possible, Colorado has launched five Vaccines for All Community Vaccination Sites. Depending on supply, a maximum of 6,000 doses per day will be administered at each site, six days per week, for a total of 36,000 doses administered each week through the program. To date, 35,322 doses have been administered through these sites.

In the last two weeks, Governor Polis joined the launch of the Broadmoor World Arena site in Colorado Springs, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, and The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland. Five locations are open in five counties, and starting April 1 the state will partner with Denver County to launch a site at Ball Arena. Information about the community vaccination sites can be found below:

• Adams County - Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
  • Sunday – Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events
  • Call: 720-263-5737
• El Paso County - Broadmoor World Arena
  • Friday – Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events
  • Call: 720-263-5737
• Mesa County - Grand Junction Convention Center
  • Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
  • Register: health.mesacounty.us/covid19/vaccine/
• Larimer County - The Ranch Events Complex
  • Monday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Register: larimerhealth.secure.force.com/Vaccine/
• Pueblo County - Colorado State Fairgrounds
  • Friday – Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events
  • Call: 720-263-5737

Colorado also has numerous strategies in place to narrow gaps in vaccine distribution. In addition to standing up Community Vaccination Sites, the State’s Equity Outreach Team is working directly with community-based organizations, providers, local public health agencies, and Tribes to set up vaccine clinics in underserved communities across the state. As of today, 111 clinics have been completed, with 10-12 clinics completed per week on average. More than 75 clinics scheduled through April 6th are expected to administer 30,400+ doses.

Finally, Governor Polis announced that Colorado will be launching mobile vaccine clinics to create even more access for Coloradans in the coming weeks. These buses will travel to small communities and meet Coloradans where they are. More information will be coming as these clinics come online.

The Governor delivered this good news with the caveat that this is still a time for caution. New cases and hospitalizations are holding steady, but emerging COVID-19 variants are cause for concern. For Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, it typically takes two weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means you can be infected from exposure to COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination.

Jeffco is currently in Level Blue, but is at risk of being moved to Level Yellow in the coming days if COVID-19 cases continue to rise

Jefferson County, Colo. – With the release of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) new Dial 3.0 framework and public health order yesterday, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is providing a summary of how the new dial affects businesses and individuals in the county. The department also cautions residents that while Jefferson County is currently under Level Blue: Cautious requirements in Dial 3.0, we will be moved by the state to Level Yellow: Concern in the next several days if COVID-19 case incidence rates stay the same or increase. The new Dial 3.0 is effective March 24 and is expected to remain in place through mid-April.

“We are happy to see the state’s path for helping counties ease back into more normalcy and the activities we love. We’re all looking for these signs of progress and hope,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “Unfortunately, the reality is we need to see much more improvement in Jeffco before we can fully take advantage of the loosened restrictions. On the same day the state released the new Dial 3.0, Jefferson County exceeded the seven-day COVID-19 case incidence rate limit and buffer allowance for Level Blue.”

The following changes are effective in Jeffco under Dial 3.0’s Level Blue at present. The state and county mask orders remain in effect, and in Jefferson County all residents and visitors are required to wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces when 6 feet distancing cannot be maintained.

• Offices in Level Blue may operate at 75% capacity.
• Retail in Level Blue may operate at 75% capacity.
• Manufacturing in Level Blue may operate at 75% capacity.
• Restaurants in Level Blue may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing.
• Outdoor events in Level Blue may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing.
• Recreation in Level Blue may operate at 100% with 6 feet distancing.
• Outdoor guided activities in Level Blue may operate in at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing, subject to local limits.
• Bars in Level Blue that do not serve food may operate at 25% not to exceed 75 people.
• There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes for Levels Green, Blue and Yellow. The state will follow CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings among vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The CDC — and JCPH — still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Additionally, in Level Blue, restaurants and recreation — including gyms, recreation centers and pools — that are part of Jefferson County’s Five-Star Certification Program may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing. All other Five-Star certified businesses in Level Blue may operate with an additional 50 people beyond the capacity cap set for Level Blue. However, no certified business may operate at Level Green capacity.

During March 16-22, there were 707 cases of COVID-19 (121.3 per 100,000) in Jefferson County. The seven-day COVID-19 case incidence rate limit, including a buffer allowance, for Level Blue is 115 cases per 100,000 people. If cases are not reduced below this limit within five consecutive days, CDPHE will move Jefferson County to Level Yellow and residents will be required to follow those requirements.

“We can prevent this,” Comstock said. “We are asking residents to please stay the course. Do it for the grandparents in our community who still have not been able to meet their newborn grandchildren, for loved ones who have been waiting to celebrate their wedding day, or for businesses who are just trying to survive. Find your ‘why’ and continue to wear your mask, keep your distance and avoid gatherings for just a bit longer. We all need each other to do our part right now.”

For more information about Dial 3.0, visit www.jeffco.us/4047/Dial-Status or covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial. You can also find information about JCPH’s local mask order, COVID-19 data, testing locations, vaccination information and more at www.jeffco.us/coronavirus.

REMOTE, (March 8, 2021): Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released an amended public health order that provides updates to the COVID-19 dial framework on Sunday.

The new changes, effective as of March 7, include:

• A new disease incidence metric buffer allows counties to exceed their Dial level's disease incidence metric and remain in that level as long as they do not exceed the minimum of the next more restrictive Dial level's incidence rate by more than 15% for five consecutive days. This creates more predictability with Dial moves and prevents counties moving back and forth unnecessarily by ensuring a consistent trend is present first.
• Restaurants and seated indoor events (including at casinos) in Level Blue may expand capacity to 225 people without using the distancing space calculator.
• Restaurants and seated indoor events (including at casinos) in Level Yellow may expand capacity to 150 people without using the distancing space calculator.
• Seated indoor events in Level Red may calculate distancing without using the distancing space calculator.
• Last call to order alcohol at restaurants has been expanded from levels Blue to Red:
  • Level Blue: 2 a.m.
  • Level Yellow: 1 a.m.
  • Level Orange: 12 a.m.
  • Level Red: 10 p.m.
• Masks may be removed in a school classroom setting for the purpose of playing a musical instrument that cannot otherwise be played while wearing a mask, but students must continue to physically distance. Performers with masks can be 12 feet away and without masks 25 feet -- and instrument players with bell covers could be 12 feet apart and without 25.
• Performers at events who are wearing masks may be a minimum of 12 feet away from spectators. Performers not wearing masks must remain a minimum of 25 feet away.
• 5 Star-certified businesses in Level Blue may expand capacity limits by 50 people above the Level Blue caps.
• Review the full summary of changes.

The Colorado COVID-19 dial is a tool that allows Colorado to balance the urgent need to contain the virus with the need for localized guidance during the pandemic. Learn more about the dial.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.